Traverse motion



Nov.26,19 40. J P.MOHQGH 2,222,820

TRAVERSE MOTION Filed March 12, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 26, 1940. I Q J. P. McHUGH v 2,222,820

TRAVERSE MOTION Filed March 12, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 26, 1940 UNITED v STATES TRAVERSE MOTION J oseph'P. McHugh, Scranton, Pa.,'assignor to Industrial Machine Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application March 12, 1938, Serial No. 195,666

12 Claims.

- plurality of bobbins, spools, cones, cops, or other packages.

For many years manufacturers of group tra erse motions of the type employing a plurality of parallel traverse posts havebeen confronted with dificulties caused by faulty alignment of the same. These posts are arranged in one or more banks or rows and the posts at least in each bank and frequently in all of the banks of a machine are intended to be connected for simultaneous reciprocation with their axes arranged in true parallelism. To make possible this truly parallel reciprocation, the mounting bearings for the several posts must be very accurately positioned relative to each other for any misalignment of but a few thousandths of an inch will cause the rigidly interconnected posts to bind in their bearings during reciprocatory movement.

When the traverse posts are arranged with their axes extending vertically, as for example in ring spinning machines, the posts are positively pushed upwardly and are intended to be returned, or moved downwardly, by their own weight and the weight of the ring rail and spinner rings. When binding occurs, as a result of misalignment of the posts, it has its most detrimental effect during the downward stroke of the posts with the result that the posts will not travel their full intended path of movement and the traverse strokes of the thread or yarn guides, such as the spinner rings and their travelers, will be short-' ened and rendered irregular.

Attempts have been made to overcome this difiiculty by increasing the load on the traverse posts to compel them to complete their downward strokes even though binding, within reasonable limits, occurs. Such weighting of the traverse posts, however, makes it necessary to use an excessive amount of power to effect lifting or the upward movement of theposts. Also, the added weight causes the development of excessive torque which gives rise to a chattering or shimmying action in the traverse motion which is transmitted to the packages being wound.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide a traverse motion in which a reasonable degree of misalignment of the posts and their bearings may exist without having a detrimental effect on the operation of the mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a type of connection between the various traverse posts, or more specifically betweenthe ring rails and the various traverse posts, whichwill permit the posts to seek and move through their individual paths of travel, regardless of the relationship which exists between the several paths,

without any binding taking place between the several posts and their respective bearings.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a group traverse motion of the type in which ring rails, or the like, are entirelydependent on traverse posts for guidance and sup-port, with PATENT, oFF c Q means which will permit thetraverse posts to partake of several different types of movements relative to each other and to the ring rails while restraining the ring rails against longitudinal movement relative to the machine frame and/or angular movement about their own longitudinal axes.

Otherv objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description. 7

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of a traverse motion embodying this invention,

Figure 2 is .a fragmentary plan View showing in detail a portion of the traverse motion illustrated in Fig. 1,

, Figure 3 is a detail side elevational view of a form of connection employed between a traverse postand a ring rail which embodies this'invention,

Figure 4' is a detail vertical sectional View taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and

. Figure 5 is a detail vertical sectional view'taken on line 55 of Fig. 3.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, 4

the several figures of the drawings disclose a portion of a traverse motion of the character eniployed in a throwing. or winding machine. It is tobe understood, however, that theinvention is not to be limited to this type of machine for it is applicable to any textile machine employing a plurality of interconnected traverse posts which are intended to be mounted in parallelism for simultaneous reciprocation in a longitudinal direction.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference character l0 designates one of the several intermediate frame members or castings usually employed as a part of an entire machine frame. This intermediate frame member or casting is interconnected with and braced with respect tothe remaining intermediate and end frame members, not shown, by means of the longitudinally extending rails H and I2 which are rigidly mounted on the said frame member H3. The longitudinally extending rail II has detachably clamped thereto, at suitably spaced intervals, the bearing brackets l3. Each one of these bearing brackets is formed with a pair of bearing portions I 4 which are spaced relative to each other to aiford ample support for the traverse posts l5 which are reciprocally mounted therein.

These traverse posts are intended to be reciprocated in unison by means of the several bell crank levers IS. The illustrated bell crank levers are interconnected for simultaneous rocking movement by means of alongitudinally extending rod II, in the manner illustrated. It is to be understood that this rod operatively connected with a suitable cam mechanism which will function to eiTect proper longitudinal reciprocation of the rod ll andlongitudinal-reciprocation of the posts l5 through the several bell crank levers l6. 7 r v w The reciprocatory movement of the traverse posts'l5 are employed to reciprocate the ring rail I8 which,-as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, carries the spinner rings 19. The ring rail' 18 is disclosed as consisting of a single, round pipe or rod. It is to be understood, however, that the ring rail may take any one: of several suitable forms and for that reason, the ring rail may be formed of more than one: pipe or rod, one or more bars, or plates of any description. It also is to be understood that the invention isnot limited to traverse motions in which the thread or yarn guiding members, such as spinner rings, are directly connected to or mounted directly on the rail which interconnects the upper ends of the several reciprocating posts. For example, Fig. 1 discloses the traverse posts as being located at one side of a machine frame. In this type of machine, a second set of traverse posts is provided for the opposite side of the machine frame. This represents one type of traverse mechanism. The Atwood 5-B machine employs a traverse motion in which the traverse posts are arranged in one bank or'longitudinal series at the transverse center of the machine frame. This single set of traverse posts is connected to thering rails positionedon opposite sides of the machine. It is considered that the type of traverse motion embodying this invention is applicable to the traverse posts and :ring rail arrangement of the Atwood 5-B machineto the same extent as it is applicable to the type of machine specifically illustrated in Fig.1.

In traverse motions now in common-use, it is the practice to rigidly interconnect the several parallel posts of a row or series to one or more ring rails. Due to this rigid connection at the rails, the said posts are intended to reciprocate through paths which should be in true parallelism with respect toeach other. To accomplish this desired result, it is necessary'to machine the traverse post bearings, such as the bearing brackets l3, with a tolerance of but a'very few thousandths of an inch so that .these bearings may be mounted on the machine frame and adjusted to permit parallel reciprocatory movement of the various traverse posts without any binding occurring between the posts and their supporting bearings. Theoretically, this desired result can be accomplished. It requires extremely careful .machining and adjusting of the bearings to accomplish this inactual-practice and it seldom happens that the post supporting bearings are so constructed'and adjusted as to permit free reciprocating movement of the traverse posts. It also is essential that the bearings and the traverse posts be maintained in proper, relative arrangement or alignment during the entire use of the machine. Vibrations set up in the machine during its operation invariably disturb the bearings and their supported posts so that even though the bearings are properly machined and properly adjusted when the machine is first placed in use, the adjustment of the bearings will not be maintained. When a misalignment occurs, the posts are compelled to reciprocate in no'nparallel paths and binding must necessarily take place between the posts and their bearings.

This invention specifically relates to the type of connection employed between the traverse posts and the ring rails which will permit the posts to move through non-parallel or misaligned paths without resulting in binding of the posts in their bearings. For an average size-machine, from four to six posts will be provided in each row or set. When employing this invention, one of the posts, preferably located approximately at the middle of the series, will be rigidly connected to the ring rail at its upper end. In Fig. 1, the traverse post I5 located at the right-hand side is rigidly connected at its upper end to the ring rail i8 by means of the angle bracket 20. This bracket includes one sleeve 2| which is secured to the end of the traverse post I 5 by means of one or more set screws, or other suitable fastening means. The bracket 20 also includes a second sleeve 22 which is rigidly secured to the ring rail [8 by means of one or more set screws, or the like. This type of connection will prevent the ring rail from partaking of any form of movement relative to the right-hand post l5. For example, the ring rail will not be permitted to move longitudinally with respect to the machine frame or angularly about its own axis.

All of the remaining traverse posts 15 are intended to be connected to the ring rail by means of the structure more specifically disclosed in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive. Fig. 3 discloses one of the remaining posts of a series as having a yoke 23 rigidly secured to the upper end thereof by means of a suitable set screw 24. This yoke 23 includes diametrically arranged branches or arms 25 and 26 of which the branch or arm 25 is the longer. This branch or arm 25 is provided with an upstanding fork or bifurcated finger 2'! which straddles the ring rail 18 in the manner best illustrated in Fig. 5. The remaining branch or arm 26 is provided with a ring or apertured car 28. The opening or aperture in this ring or ear has a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter of the ring rail l8 to permit the ring rail to partake of limited movement in any desired direction relative to the ring or ear. The arm or branch 26 also is provided with a depending finger 29 which underlies the ring or ear 28 and is provided with a laterally projecting pin 30.

A yoke type of bracket 3| having the spaced, apertured ears or sleeves 32 which receive the ring rail I8 is clearly illustrated in the several figures. These ears or sleeves 32 are rigidly fastened to the ring rail It? by means of the set screws 33. It will be noted that the yoke-like bracket 31 straddles the ear 28 formed rigidly on the branch or arm 26 of the post yoke 23 and that the spacing of the ears or sleeves 32 relative to the axial length of the sleeve or ear 28 is such that clearance is provided between these elements. The yoke-like bracket 3| is provided with a depending arm 34 which has formed in its free end portion the longitudinally extending slot 35 which slidably receives the pin 30 carried bythe finger 29 of the post yoke 23.

It will be appreciated that with this type of connection being provided between each one of the remaining traverse posts and the ring rails, these remaining posts will be permitted to partake of relative movement with respect to the ring rails. In other words, if the bearings I3 for these said remaining posts are not properly constructed and adjusted to support the posts in true parallelism with respect to each other and/or to the traverse post which is rigidly connected to the ring rails, these remaining posts may seek and move through the paths defined by their bearings without binding in the bearings.

Due to the types of connections between the opposite ends of the post yoke 23 and the ring rail I8, movement of the post I 5 in an upward direction by the remainder of the traverse mechanism will cause or compel the ring rail to partake of the same movement. The yoke 23, however, is permitted to partake of a pivotal movement about the axis of the ring rail or a lateral movement in opposite directions with respect to the axis of the ring rail while compelling the said ring rail to partake of the upward reciprocatory movement. During the return or downward movement of this traverse post, it will be permitted to float with respect to the ring rail so that it can seek its proper path of movement, as defined by its bearings. The post [5, therefore, will not be caused to bind in its bearing and will be permitted to freely move downwardly. As no binding occurs between this post and its bearing, downward movement of the ring rail l8 under its own weight will .be freely permitted.

Due to the provision of the yoke 3 l which is rigidly connected to the ring rail 18, and its pin and slot connection with the arm 29 carried by the post yoke 23, the ring rail l8 will not be permitted to partake of angular movement relative to the post i 5 and its yoke 23.

It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as the preferred example or the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. Traverse mechanism for a group package forming machine comprising a plurality of traverse posts, bearing means supporting said posts for longitudinal reciprocating movement in substantially parallel paths, mechanism for effecting reciprocation of said posts, a rail extending at right angles to the axes of said posts, a separate connector member rigidly carried by each post and by the rail for each post and means for interconnecting the respective connector members of the posts and rail to permit the posts to partake of independent radial and axial movements relative to the axis of the rail caused by misalignment of said bearing means while effecting traverse movement of the rail.

2. Traverse mechanism for a group package forming machine comprising a plurality of traverse posts, bearing means supporting said posts for longitudinal reciprocating movement in substantially parallel paths, mechanism for effecting reciprocation of said posts, a ring rail extending at right angles to the axes of said posts, a single rigid connector device for immovably interconnecting one of said posts to the ring rail, a separate connector member rigidly carried by each of the remaining posts and by the ring rail for each of said remaining posts, and means for interconnecting the respective connector members of said remaining posts and the ring rail to permit said remaining posts to partake of independent radial and axial movements relative to the axis ofthe ring rail while eifecting traverse movement of said rail to prevent binding in misaligned bearing means.

3. Traverse mechanism for a group package forming machine comprising a plurality of traverse posts, bearing means supporting said posts for longitudinal reciprocating movement in substantially parallel paths, mechanism for effecting reciprocation of said posts, a rail extending at right angles to the axes of said posts, rigid bracket means for connecting one of the posts to the rail in a manner to prevent relative movement between the post and rail, and two-part bracket means for connecting the remaining posts to the rail, the two parts of said last mentioned bracket means being so interconnected as to permit the posts to partake of independent radial and axial movements relative to the axis of the rail while efiecting traverse movement of the rail.

4. Traverse mechanism for a group package forming machine comprising a plurality of traverse posts, bearing means supporting said posts for longitudinal reciprocating movement in sub- 2 stantially parallel paths, mechanism for efiecting reciprocation of said posts, a ring rail extending at right angles to the axes of said posts, bracket means for connecting one of the posts to the ring rail in a manner to prevent relative movement between the post and rail, and means for connecting the remaining posts to the ring rail to permit the posts to partake of independent movements relative to the rail while effecting traverse movement of the rail, said last mentioned means comprising a member rigidly connected to the rail, a member rigidly connected to the post, a lost motion connection between said last mentioned member and the rail, and a lost motion connection between said twomembers.

5. Traverse mechanism for package forming machines comprising a reciprocating traverse post, a yoke rigidly connected to one end of the post, a rail loosely connected to each branch of said yoke, an arm rigidly connected to said rail, and means for connecting the arm to said yoke to prevent angular movement of the rail about its longitudinalam's.

6. Traverse mechanism for package forming machines comprising a reciprocating traverse post, a yoke rigidly connected to one end of the post, a ring rail loosely connected to each branch of said yoke, an arm rigidly connected to said ring rail, and means for connecting the arm to said yoke to permit longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the yoke but to prevent angular movement of the ring rail about its longitudinal axis.

- '7. Traverse mechanism for package forming machines comprising a ring rail, a plurality of parallel posts, means for rigidly connecting the ring rail to one of said posts, and means for connecting one endof each of the remaining posts to the ring rail to permit of lost motion movement between the rail and said posts.

8. A lost motion connection for traverse mechanisms comprising a reciprocating post, a rail positioned at one end of the post, a bracket member rigidly connected to the post and loosely wsociated with the rail, a bracket member rig-idly connected to the rail, and means for interconnecting said bracket members so constructed and arranged as to permit the bracket members to move relative to each other longitudinally of the post but to prevent angular movement of the post relative to the rail.

l 9. Means for providing a lost motion connection in traverse mechanisms for package forming machines comprising a vertically reciprocating post, a rail arranged substantially at right angles to one end of the post, a yoke rigidly connected to said end of the post, a yoke rigidly connected to the rail in a manner to straddle one portion of the post yoke, said yokes having parallel arms, and means for interconnecting said arms so constructed and arranged as to permit the arms to move relative to each other in the direction of their length, but preventing said arms from partaking of angular movement relative to each other.

10. Means for providing a lost motion connec tion in traverse mechanisms of a package forming machine comprising a vertically reciprocating post, a rail extending at right angles to one end of the post, a multiple armed bracket member rigidly attached to said end of the post and having two of its arms movably associated with the rail, a yoke rigidly attached to said rail and shaped to straddle one of said two arms of the bracket attached to the post, said bracket which is attached to the rail having an arm lying in parallelism with the third arm of the bracket attached to the post, and a pin and slot connection between said last two mentioned arms.

11. Traverse mechanism for package forming machines comprising a horizontally extending rail, a pair of spaced posts arranged in the vertical plane of the rail and depending therefrom, a bracket member rigidly connecting the upper end of one of the posts to the rail, a bracket member rigidly connected to the upper end of the second post and loosely associated with the rail, a bracket rigidly connected to the rail in proximity to the last mentioned post, the last two mentioned brackets having parallel arms, and a lost motion pin and slot connection between said arms.

12. Traverse mechanism for package forming machines comprising a vertically reciprocating post, a rail extending horizontally across the upper end of the post, a multiple armed bracket rigidly attached to the upper end of the post, two of the arms of said bracket respectively having a bifurcated finger and an apertured ear loosely receiving said rail, a bracket member rigidly fas tened to the rail and straddling the apertured ear of the post bracket, an arm carried by the bracket rigid with the rail and extending in parallelism with a third arm of the post bracket, and a lost motion connection between said last two mentioned arms.

JOSEPH P. McI-IUGH. 

